Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Trail System

Over a hundred miles of non-motorized trails crisscross the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA). They range in elevation from of high of 5,200 ft. in the Red Mountain sub-area to a low of 3,000 ft. in the Paradise Canyon sub-area. Some trails will take you along the urban edge while others will lead you into isolated wilderness. There is also great variety in trail tread from deep sand to rocky basalt to hefty boulders as well as asmidgen of slickrock. To find the best trail for your adventure, do a little research, and know before you go. Use the maps below and the descriptions provided on the individuals trails to get a sense the experience (and challenge) offered.

Mountain Biking: The best trails on public lands in the NCA for mountain biking are: Prospector, Chuckwalla, Turtle Wall, and Paradise Rim.

Horseback Riding: The best trails on public lands in the NCA for equestrian use are: Historic Babylon, Sandstone Mountain, East Reef, Leeds Reef, White Reef, Red Reef East, Tipple, Prospector, and Winchester.

Most Challenging: The best trails on public lands in the NCA for a challenging experience potentially requiring navigation skills, a high fitness level, extra food and water, and other preparedness essentials are: Red Mountain, Red Reef, Heath, Cottonwood Canyon, Washington Hollow, and Millcreek (wilderness section). Each of these trails are in wilderness, unmaintained, and unmarked.

Short Hikes: The best trails on public lands in the NCA for short hikes are located in the Paradise Canyon sub-area and the lower section of the City Creek sub-area.

To learn about some of the restrictions on recreation in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, please review Recreating Inside the NCA.

Note: A new Resource Management Plan for the 45,000 acres of public lands within the national conservation area is underway, including trail planning. Visit our NCA Resource Management Plans and Plan Amendment webpage for more information about this planning process.

For detailed maps of areas shown in white frames on the larger map above, click the corresponding link here to view a pdf image. Detailed maps will show trail locations, mileage, contours, spot elevations, trailhead locations, amenities such as restrooms, and land status (ownership).